General named Red Hat chairman

In this file photo, General Hugh Shelton testifies before Congress during his days as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

August 30, 2010 7:36:19 AM PDT

RALEIGH --

Triangle software developer Red Hat announced Monday that General H. Hugh Shelton (U.S. Army Retired) has been elected to serve as chairman of its board of directors.

Shelton has served as a board member since 2003. He succeeds Matthew Szulik, former Red Hat CEO.

"General Shelton possesses the right combination of leadership, experience and industry knowledge to help guide Red Hat toward achieving its future goals," said Jim Whitehurst, president and CEO, Red Hat.

Before retiring from the Army, General Shelton was the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the United States armed forces and the principal military adviser to the President.

Red Hat is headquartered in Raleigh with over 65 offices around the world